Muslim family blocked from buying apartment in India over religion

A Muslim government employee says his family was prevented from purchasing an apartment in southern India after residents objected to having Muslim neighbours, reigniting concerns over religious discrimination in the country's housing market.

The incident occurred in Warangal, in the southern state of Telangana, where Nadeem, an employee of the state's Revenue Department, said he and his parents had gone to inspect an apartment after the owner had agreed to sell it to them, Caliber.Az reports, citing Muslim Network TV.

According to videos circulating on social media, the visit ended after a woman confronted the family upon discovering they were Muslim.

In the footage, Nadeem questions the woman over the alleged refusal, asking why Muslims were not allowed to buy homes in the apartment complex.

"If Muslims are not allowed here, why not put up a board saying so? Is this the government's rule or your society's rule?" he asks, as the woman walks away without responding.

Nadeem said the woman, who identified herself as a government employee, told the family there was "no place for Muslims" in the building and claimed the sale could not proceed without her approval, despite the owner's willingness to complete the transaction.

He also alleged that the building's watchman told him residents, many of them teachers, had collectively agreed not to sell apartments to Muslims.

The incident has renewed debate over housing discrimination faced by India's roughly 200 million Muslims. Although the country's Constitution prohibits discrimination on religious grounds, Muslims have long reported being denied rental housing or prevented from purchasing homes because of their faith.

Rights advocates say such practices have contributed to increasing residential segregation in many Indian cities, with some neighbourhoods informally closed to Muslim residents.

Nadeem, who said he has served all citizens equally in his government role, questioned how educators could justify excluding families based on religion.

"If you don't want to sell flats to Muslims, put up a board outside the building instead of humiliating people after they come to inspect the property," he said.

The video has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with users calling for authorities to investigate the allegations and ensure housing decisions are not based on religious identity. As of publication, police had not announced whether a formal complaint had been filed.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov